Thermometer



July 26, 1932. E. M. PHELPS 1,868,911

THERMOMETER Filed June 26, 1929 @wmmmm I N VEN TOR.

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ATTORMEYJ Patented July 26, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE EDWARD M. PHELPS, F TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA, ASSIGNOR TO TEE-RE HAUTE AD- VERTISING COMPANY, OF TERRE I-IAUTE, INDIANA, A CORPORATION OF INDIANA THERMOMETER Application filed June 26,

The object of my invention is to provide an acceptable and attractive thermometer structure which may be handled for inspection during a substantial interval without greatly affecting its temperature indication, the device being especially adapted for normal retention in household refrigerators.

A further object of my invention is to provide improved details of construction, as are H) hereinafter pointed out, which will contribute to cheapness of fabrication, permanence of structure, attractiveness of appearance, and sluggishness of response to temperature changes.

The accompanying drawing illustrates my invention.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment;

Fig. 2 a vertical section;

Fig. 3 a transverse section; and

Fig. 4 a vertical section of another form.

In the drawing indicates a transparent hollow main body (conveniently of glass) having a suitable flaring base 11. The main 25 body 10 is most conveniently a hollow cylinder closed at its upper end. The thermometer-proper, 12, is of the comm-on bulband-stem type and is attached to a backing card 13 of such length and width as to extend diametrically across and throughout the length of the interior of the main body 10, said card being the usual degree scale coordinated with the indicator column of the thermometer.

In Figs. 1, 2 and 3, card 13 is integral with portions 14 and 15 which, when folded on the fold lines 14 and 15 form, respectively a transverse stiffening backing for card 13 and an arch to hold card 13 laterally in place within body 10. It will be seen that the ports 13, 14, and 15 cooperate to form a tubular filler for the main body. In Figs. 1 and 2 a cork wafer 16col-ored if desired for ornamental purposes-serves to cover the open top of the tube formed by the card 13-1415, and a second cork wafer 17, also colored for ornament if desired, closes the lower end of body 10 and retains the card 13 and thermometer 12 in vertical place.

Color may be applied to the interior of 1929. Serial No. 373,793.

base 11 for ornament and instructure or advertising matter may be printed on the exposed face of part 15 visible through the transparent main body.

The cork wafer 17 seals the main body 10 and thus protects the thermometer bulb from sudden changes in temperature. As a consequence the article may be placed in a refrigerator where, in time, it will acquire, and indicate, the internal temperature. The device may then be removed and handled for a considerable period without any substantial rise of indication.

The device is easily kept clean and the bulb and scale are effectively protected.

In Fig. 4c the main body and base are shown as a blown-glass element, the open top, after insertion of the thermometer tube, being fire sealed. It will be readily understood that sealing or closing might be secured by a cork or ornamental cap.

I claim as my invention:

1. As an article of manufacture, a transparent tubular main body with a suitable base, an indicator card bent to form a tubular filler for said tubular body and contacting the inner walls of said body throughout more than half the perimeter of said body, said indicator card bearing a thermometer scale, and a thermometer associated with said scale within said transparent main body.

2. As an article of manufacture, a tubular glass body, a closure for the lower end thereof, an indicator card comprising a paper folded in tubular form, whereby said card is longitudinally stiffened, said card bearing a thermometer scale, said card being inserted within said tubular body and being externally visible therethrough, and a thermometer secured to said card in indicating registry with said scale and visible through the wall of said body.

3. As an article of manufacture,a tubular body of transparent material, a closure for the lower end thereof, an indicator card received within said body, said card being bent to form a part-cylindrical portion of a peripheral extent of more than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees contacting the inner wall of said body, and said card being folded to form a pair of mutually reenforcing leaves subtending the arc defined by the op posite edges of said part-cylindrical portion, and a thermometer carried by one of said leaves.

4. As an article of manufacture, a tubular body of transparent material, a" closure for the lower end thereof, an indicator card received Within said body, said card being bent to' form a part-cylindrical portion of a pcripheral extent of more than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees and folded to form a pair of mutually reenforcing leaves each subtending the arc defined by the opposite edges of said part-cylindrical portion, the outermost of said leaves bearing a thermometer scale, and a thermometer secured to one of said leaves and carried thereby in indicating registry with said scale;

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand at Terre Haute, Indiana, this 20th day of June, A. D. one thousand nine hundred: and twentymine.

EDWARD M. PHELPS. 

